In order for you to have a vocation there are certain conditions you have to fulfill. If there is anything missing that you are not able to acquire by putting in a little bit of effort, it would be a sign that you don’t have a vocation.

by Father Anthony Bannon, LC | Source:

Q. Dear Father Anthony,

As tempted as I am to simply type in my name and say, “Hey, what’s my vocation?” I know it’s not that simple. But are there any signs toward the sisterhood? I’m very confused.

– Angelique

A. Dear Angelique:

As regards signs toward the sisterhood, there are some — but beware, they are not infallible. Let me explain:

In order for you to have a vocation there are certain conditions you have to fulfill: starting from the bottom up, you have to have the necessary physical health for the particular vocation you are thinking of, the necessary psychological and emotional health, the necessary intelligence, and a maturity that is proportionate to your age. Now, all of the above doesn’t make you “extraordinary,” just pretty normal. It is the human base that is needed for a vocation, so if there is anything missing that you are not able to acquire by putting in a little bit of effort, it would be a sign that you don’t have a vocation.

The final condition, if all the above are in place, is the clincher: you have to have an interest in the vocation for the proper reason. It would not be enough or proper to want to be a Sister in order to travel, or in order to teach, or in order to take care of the sick… These are human reasons still on the natural level, even though the latter two are highly commendable goals. Your interest should stem from a faith-moved interest: to care for the sick, or teach, in order to love Christ by serving others, for example; or in order to use your life in the way most pleasing to God; or in order to save your own soul.

The major factor is the fact that you are asking yourself the question. This can often be God speaking to your soul, moving you, gently leading you to look into it more and to open yourself more to his grace. If you have the basic conditions I mentioned above, it would be well worth your while looking into it more. Visit a congregation of nuns that interests you, or look into the consecrated life in one of the new movements in the Church. Get to know the people, and go on a retreat.

And, especially, ask yourself a question that is much more important than, “Is God calling me?” Ask yourself, “Am I willing to say yes if he is calling me?” Sometimes that’s the problem.

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